Ranged wasn't removed because it's part of the rock/paper/scissors game play. Ranged adds more depth to the game than if it was melee only, and is clearly strong in some situations, but weak in others... (saying this as someone who's never had a ranged char, and my weak ass horse is heavily targeted by ranged). Sometimes you gotta put on your big boy pants and try to overcome an obstacle, it'll make you stronger in the end.